Drinking mimosas in the middle of a workday — a Monday no less — is not something I’ve ever done. But then again, my best friend, who also happens to be a mom of two girls, had never had a double mastectomy before or been about to start five months of chemo and radiation.

So yes, we drank mimosas on a Monday.

It’s powerful moments like these that explain why I’ve been largely absent the past few months with fewer articles about running and photos on social media. I started this website seven years ago (good God how has that much time gone by!?!) because I was profoundly changed by the courage and power that come from doing something you once thought was impossible (i.e., running a marathon) and discovering that you’re stronger than you think (i.e., running seven more marathons and shaving an hour off your finish time in the process). Once you’ve run long enough, you learn that running is SO much more than just running. It’s about finding and unleashing the full potential inside you, not just on the pavement (or trails), but every day in everything we do.

But somewhere down the line, websites like this that started as personal stories to engage and inspire others got overrun with sponsored posts and search engine optimization and the rat race to grow Instagram followers. The democratization of branding and commercialization of blogging have led to authentic runners with authentic voices now taking months of professional photos to increase their likes while oozing inspiration porn in just about every single message. Isn’t it possible that some days you just run four completely average miles and are #done? No message about body positivity. No story about overcoming obstacles. No intense experience of struggle. Just those four miles. C’mon, there’s got to be at least one normal day, right???

The more of this content I see, the more I pulled away. Running is still an important part of my life. I’m running several times a week at a pretty pedestrian pace with great friends. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make for a very compelling storyline. At least 250 people who’ve stopped following me on Instagram when I started posting less content about training and more of leisurely jogs and a damn cute baby can confirm that as fact. Real life is for the birds, eh?

Which brings me back to sports bras and Instagram.

Maybe it’s the season of life I’m in. Maybe I’ve changed as I’ve gotten older. Maybe it’s just that when you have a best friend dealing with the reality of breast cancer and you’re running a business that’s actually trying to make a difference in the world while holding onto every moment of your daughter’s childhood … you just don’t give a damn if someone is wearing a sports bra on Instagram or if they feel good about it. (Or what they ate for dessert. Or who paid them to post about the latest running gadget. Or …, well, you get the point.) Don’t get me wrong, I want to be the first to line up to celebrate others’ victories. I actually love social media and appreciate it for the many connections it brings to my daily life. I’ve even posted about sports bras before and got my mom in on the action (GASP!). I’m simply yearning for the days when the messages and the messengers were more authentic and when we didn’t miss living an imperfectly perfect moment because we were too busy trying to capture it from its best angle.

The post Why I Could Care Less if You’re Wearing a Sports Bra on Instagram appeared first on rUnladylike.

Running is a physical sport, but almost everything about it is mental. Lately, I’ve been experiencing a new mental battle with my miles. If you’ve read runladylike.com for a while and follow my adventures on Instagram, you’ve probably noticed my running looks different than it used to — low mileage, no races and slow paces. It took the brilliant insights of renowned running coach, mental strategist and athlete Matt Fitzgerald to help me finally understand what I’m experiencing.

Matt recently wrote an article that called the issue of motivation into question. His hypothesis is that perceived motivation problems are often the result of confusing what we want with what we think we should want. When these two things are at odds, motivation can be a challenge. The problem, he says, often goes away when there is no longer a chasm between them.

For so long, my identity and personal goals have been linked to running. Those who know me assume I’m training for a race. Every January, I plan my race schedule and set exciting challenges for myself.

But what happens when there’s no race you want to add to the calendar and no significant goal you want to chase, despite the voice in your head that says you want to train for a half marathon as you watch all your friends keep charging down that path?

If Matt Fitzgerald were here, he would ask one simple question: What do YOU want?

What I think I want (or think I should want) is to train for a half or full marathon: To establish goals, to train hard, to push my body and my mind and to set a strong example for my daughter.

But what I really want is to do those things without training for a race. I find myself putting off runs because I want to go to strength training, spin class or other hard workouts that push me but don’t involve running circles around the neighborhood. I’m enjoying 4-5-mile sunrise runs that are slow while chatting with friends. But the thought of speed work and all the things that have been second nature to me for so long are not filling me up.

It finally dawned on me: One of the reasons I’ve been struggling is because what I really want is at odds with what I think I should want. Matt’s guidance is to take a mental step back from your situation when your motivation appears to be in question and try to separate what you really want from what you think you ought to want. He says the way out of your “blah” state is to let go of what you’d rather not do and embrace what you’d rather do instead.

Obvious? Yes. Easy to do? No.

So, today, I’m not going to tell you how to set goals for the year or how to stay motivated to achieve them. Rather, I’m going to tell you that sometimes it’s OK to embrace where you are. It’s OK to be a runner who just wants to run and not measure your joy or success by a race, medal or finish line. It’s OK to want to lift weights rather than run 10 miles. But, most importantly, it’s important to make sure the goals you set are things you actually want to do and achieve, not milestones you think you should be doing or achieving.

My goals for the year are to be fully present in my life while pushing myself to be my very best self, physically, professionally and purposefully. Whether running a race is part of that is yet to be determined.

Deepening Your Mojo

If you are looking for a jolt of motivation or are still working through the relationship between what you want and what you think you want, here are a few recommendations:

1. Read these articles. Here are some tips and advice I’ve previously shared about staying excited about and engaged with your goals.

Tips for Overcoming a Mental Rut

Turning Motivation into Action

26.2 Running Mantras: A Happy Thought for Every Mile

10 Ways to Push through a Hard Run or Race

How to Beat Negative Self-Talk

2. Get new gear. You know Brooks Running is my go-to brand, and sometimes feeling good in your gear can add a pep in your step. The team there knows I’ve been going through this emotional struggle with my running lately and just sent me some new gear from their spring collection to help me as I find my way. They outfitted me in the Formation Crops, Pick-Up Tank, Distance Long Sleeve and JustRight Racer (I’m wearing three out of four of these items in the photos featured above … the pick-up tank is what I almost exclusively run and race in). I’ve been wearing most of these items for months (and in some cases, years), but new colors and styles do, in fact, get me excited. Try buying a new pair of shoes (use this shoe finder) or outfit yourself in some apparel that makes you feel awesome.

3. Remember your why, and hold onto it. Whatever you choose to set your mind to this year, whether that is training for a big race or focusing on other important life milestones, stay focused on why that is important to you. Why does that mean something? Keep your mantras and inspiration handy when motivation wanes. Stay true to yourself and what you really want. And don’t be afraid to ask yourself, like Matt Fitzgerald asked me (OK, OK, he asked everyone, but a girl can dream …), what do YOU really want?

Happy running, goal-chasing and being true to yourself.

Please Note: I am a Brooks Running Run Happy Ambassador and have been for the past six years. As part of my relationship with Brooks, they send me free products to test each month and a financial stipend I invest back into my running and fitness. While Brooks offers me ideas for content topics from time to time, nothing I ever write or will ever write will be biased or influenced by Brooks or any other company I come into contact with. You only get the real, authentic, unladylike truth here. You’re welcome.

Tell me about your goals for 2019. Can you relate to my current experiences and relationship with running? If so, I’d love to hear about your experience and any advice you might share that you’ve learned.

The post Not All New Year’s Goals Look the Same appeared first on rUnladylike.

My first “workout” of the new year was nothing like what I expected: a leisurely 10-mile family bike ride to watch the sunset on Thursday evening. Three days into the New Year, and it was practically the first time I’d stepped outside.

I decided I had enough energy to attend a spin class the next morning (New Year day four) and my normal Saturday morning run (New Year day five). The spin class felt like a slog, and I left my running partners three miles into our run because I just didn’t have the energy to run four more.

No, this is NOT how I thought the first week of the year would go. I’m still under the weather, but hoping I’ll take a turn for clear sinuses and painless swallows any moment now. Not just because I want to get back to my normal routine, but Baby rUnladylike turns two this week, and we have a Frozen party to plan and Elsa and Anna to get ready to welcome to our house. Hey sickness, it’s time to LET IT GO already.

In addition to making Elsa-colored cupcake frosting and covering my house in silver snowflakes, I’m also contemplating what I want this year to mean for my running. I’m considering a first quarter 5K and want to see if I can rediscover my running mojo while the sweltering Florida heat calms down a bit for the next two months. This time last year, I was doing some of my best running since before I was pregnant. I’m looking forward to finding out where that runner went and bringing her back from the dead.

Actually, this is the girl I’m looking for. Anyone remember her or seen her since 2014???

If I can’t resuscitate her or clone her or even find proof she ever existed, then I’ll just keep enjoying the miles I’m in on the road and in life. Stay tuned for more to come on my running and goals soon.

Welcome to 2019 everyone!

Happy New Year! Tell me what big goals and exciting plans you have for 2019. What events are on your race calendar?

The post The New Year Wasn’t Supposed to Start Like This appeared first on rUnladylike.

2018 was probably my worst year of running, but it turned out to be one of my best years overall. I may not have completed any of the running goals I initially thought I wanted to accomplish, but I learned a lot about myself and what’s important to me in the process. I found peace with my running. I’m not chasing something unattainable or trying to be something I’m not. I’m finding joy in sharing miles with friends and seeing the sun rise on Saturday mornings. I’m prioritizing the priorities and living in the present. I’m not worrying about mile splits, long runs or weekly mileage. I’m simply running with no agenda (and as little personal judgement as I can muster).

There were times in my life that running took up too much of my share of mind and heart. Today, it’s right where it should be. Perhaps my #2018BestNine shows visually where I’m at better than I can verbally express it. The Best Nine are your nine most liked photos on Instagram during the year. Out of 141 pictures I posted and nearly 23,000 likes, these were the ones you liked the most. Family and my new business were my priorities, and it showed in my running and in my life.

My running journey is far from over. I’m training for life these days rather than marathons. I realize it isn’t as exciting to read about, but we find lessons learned and inspiration in every season of running and every stage we’re in.

Here are some of my standout runs and adventures from 2018.

New York City (February)

I had 45 minutes of free time while in NYC for a work trip, and I used every minute of it for a run.

Savannah, Georgia (April)

In April, I ran the Savannah Half Marathon. I ran this race in 2015 and loved it, but the course wasn’t as kind to me in 2018. This race sort of broke me. I’m not sure why, but my running and mojo hasn’t been the same since. From mile one it was a struggle, but it is always pretty running through the squares and streets of Savannah.

Deadwood, South Dakota (June)

Another half marathon in 2018, another ride on the struggle bus. This time I was in South Dakota. Although my body never cooperated with my heart, my heart was certainly full during my weekend in South Dakota. Not only did I get to experience my friend Elizabeth’s final state in her quest to run a marathon or half marathon in all 50, I also got to travel with my mom and visit Mount Rushmore, which had always been on her bucket list. This race weekend was one I’ll never forget.

Seattle, Washington (June)

Escaping the Florida heat for a weekend in Seattle with my Brooks Running family was just what the doctor ordered. I soaked in the cooler weather and the community of amazing runners Brooks has brought into my life on a weekend celebrating the Special Olympics USA Games.

Orcas Island, Washington (July)

After leaving Seattle, my family joined me for a two-week adventure across Washington. We celebrated the Fourth of July with a 5K on the beautiful Orcas Island.

Lake Crescent: Port Angeles, Washington (July)

One of the most beautiful places I visited this year was Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park. This run and these views will be etched into my memory for eternity.

Kalaloch Beach: Forks, Washington (July)

My final run in Washington was along the Pacific Ocean. This run was straight out of the pages of Runner’s World.

Stowe, Vermont (October)

We escaped the Florida heat and humidity once again for a getaway in Vermont. While the trip didn’t go exactly as we planned, this run was one for my personal record books in terms of beauty and weather.

Orlando, Florida (December)

Last but not least, my final run was in one of my greatest happy places: Disney. My husband, daughter and I travel to Disney at least 10 times per year, and the familiar roads around the Disney Boardwalk feel like home. It was the perfect way to end my year of runs on the road.

Where were your most memorable runs of 2018? Where are you most looking forward to running in 2019?

The post My Rave Runs of 2018 appeared first on rUnladylike.

I’ve been especially reflective lately about what that means for my relationship with running. There was a period in my life when my focus on running was anything but balanced. If you asked my husband at the time (let’s say between 2010 and 2014), he would probably have described it as obsessive and overly-focused. It consumed my thoughts, schedule, vacation planning and social calendar. It was a wonderful, empowering, important time that enriched my life and my lifelong relationships immensely. But it is far from the relationship I want from running today. Currently, I’m not following a training plan nor do I have any long-distance races on the horizon. My last two races included a one-mile fun run and an unofficial 5K that was actually 3.5 miles, both while pushing a stroller and nearly forgetting to start my Garmin. My Saturday morning long runs consist of seven-mile strolls (aka slow runs that should feel a heck of a lot easier than they do) chatting with my fellow mother runners about everything and nothing. And to top it all off, I’ve got a nagging case of plantar facsitis that I’m not being nearly diligent enough about defeating.

The simple truth is this: in my head I want to train hard, run far and fly fast. In my heart, I don’t necessarily want to commit to the pain and sacrifice it takes to get there. I’m just not finding joy in it. Today. I believe that time will come again, but it just isn’t today. While finding balance may be like a dog chasing its tail, I know I’m completely imbalanced if I’m not moving my muscles, pounding the pavement and challening my mind and body. Although I may only be running about 15-20 miles per week these days, I’m still making time to work hard.

This week’s workouts look like this:

• Monday: Ran 4 miles at 6 a.m. (9:20 pace)
• Tuesday: 45-minute spin class
• Wednesday: Ran 5.2 miles at 5:30 a.m. (9:07 pace)
• Thursday: 30-45-minute strength training session
• Friday: 50-minute circuit training class, including short bursts of running on the treadmill and/or yoga
• Saturday: 7-mile easy run
• Sunday: 1-hour barre or cardio sculpt class

I know it’s not the speed intervals or 50-mile workout weeks many of you long-time runladylike.com readers have stuck around for. It’s not the 12-hours of workouts in a week during half Ironman training I used to detail for you. It’s pushing myself in a way that adds joy and creates space to spend time with my daughter, plan fun family activities, stay up too late watching Netflix or Amazon shows with my husband and grow my business. It’s being fully present and faithfully committed to what really matters. It’s posting grainy, imperfect pictures on social media because that was the real moment, not the one that garners the most likes. It’s shutting off the noise and turning up the purpose and passion.

That, my friends, is balance for me in this moment.

Win a Brooks Running Beanie 

Speaking of running and time, our shorter days require us to run more miles in the dark. I do most of my running around 5:30-6 a.m. before the sun comes up. In honor of embracing our crazy, messy lives and finding balance in the moments we care about most, I’m giving away one Greenlight Beanie from Brooks Running’s Nightlife collection (a $20 retail value).

To enter, leave a comment below between now and Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at 11:59 p.m. ET sharing one thing that helps you juggle the never-ending balancing act of life (and running). Receive a second entry by following @rUnladylike on Instagram and leaving a second comment below (a completely new entry) stating that you followed me and what your Instagram name is so I can be sure to follow you back.

And, to mark the final days of National Running Safety Month (acknowledged every November), here are some helpful tips to stay safe while running in the dark. My favorite reflective Nightlife gear to run in during the early morning hours are the Brooks Distance Long Sleeve top and 5″ Chaser Shorts (of which I have three pairs). Happy, safe and balanced running, friends!

Giveaway Fine Print

No purchase is necessary to win. Must be 18 or older to enter. The sweepstakes is open from Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at 9 p.m. Eastern time until Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. To enter, you must leave a comment on this post sharing one thing that helps you juggle the never-ending balancing act of life/running. You may receive a second entry by leaving a separate comment stating that you follow @rUnaldylike on Instagram and sharing your Instagram name. One winner will be chosen at random and will receive one Brooks Running Greenlight Beanie as pictured above in the Nightlife yellow color, with an approximate retail value of $20. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. The winner will be selected by Thursday, December 6, 2018, and will be contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours from the time and date of the email sent to claim their prize. The winner agrees to allow rUnladylike, LLC, to share the winner’s first name. Prizes will be mailed to the winner directly from rUnladylike. The winner and all sweepstakes entrants hold rUnladylike, LLC, and Brooks Running harmless in the event that the prize or sweepstakes in some way negatively impacts the winner, and the winner agrees to use the prizes at his or her own risk. This sweepstakes is hosted by rUnladylike, LLC, of Tampa, Florida, who can be contacted at runladylike@gmail.com. Void where prohibited by law.

Please note: I am a Brooks Running Run Happy Ambassador and received the apparel mentioned in this post for free from the Brooks team. There are also Brooks affiliate links contained in this post. I love Brooks, and run almost exclusively in their gear, but that never biases my opinions or reviews of any of their products. You will always get the honest, unladylike and uncensored truth here about everything I use and try. Thanks for your trust and for reading.

What is the one thing that helps you juggle the never-ending balancing act of life and running? Are we following each other on Instagram yet? If not, let’s make it happen!

The post Is there such a thing as balance? {GIVEAWAY} appeared first on rUnladylike.

It was race morning, but it definitely didn’t look or feel like my typical pre-race routine.

There was no setting an alarm or waking up at an absurdly inappropriate time. There were no carefully laid running outfits on my closet floor when I awoke. There was no Aquaphor application or bibs to pin on my tank top. There were no timing chips or finisher’s chutes. With my husband, daughter, mom and our trusty running stroller packed into our SUV, we left our house just 30 minutes before the 9 a.m. start of the #FinnsFight Family 5K hosted by FIT4MOM Tampa Bay and the owner of Baby rUnladylike’s school. We arrived to a crowd of families wearing superhero capes, ready to run for an amazing little boy named Finn.

It was running and the running community at its finest.

Finn, a fun loving five-year-old in our local community, was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma just days after starting Kindergarten. This rare type of cancer occurs in bones or in the soft tissue around the bones. Finn has bravely undergone surgeries, chemotheraphy and more doctor visits and hospital stays than any human being should have to experience in a lifetime. All proceeds from the race went directly to Finn and his family to help them fuel Finn’s fight.

Baby rUnladylike’s teacher yelled GO! and we were off. I hadn’t even turned on my Garmin (or thought about making sure the GPS was ready). I told you, this was not like a typical race morning. I fumbled with my watch which finally found a signal after 0.25 miles. The race was four laps around a nearby mall connected to our community school. Mr. rUnladylike and I took turns pushing the stroller every other lap. We started out quick. I didn’t get an accurate split for the first mile, but it was probably around 7:15 pace. I slowed considerably during the second mile (7:50) thanks to pushing the stroller and allowing the heat and humidity to catch up to me. But I found another gear for the final mile. Maybe it was all the sweet kids in their yellow shirts sprinting with their parents. Maybe it was the kind families and volunteers who waved as we passed by wearing their superhero masks. Maybe it was Finn, who was in the hospital that morning and couldn’t be there, but whose spirit was all around us. We finished with an average pace of 7:36. There was no finish line to cross or official race times to check. Heck, the course was actually 3.5 miles instead of 3.1, but it was the happiest and most fulfilled I’ve felt running a race in a long time.

Baby rUnladylike eagerly greeted my mom as she finished after us. She’s really getting the hang of this spectator thing.

There was a wonderful breakfast buffet waiting for us at the finish, along with an area for all the kids to make cards for Finn. It was a true and authentic example of the strength of community. Families gathered together for a morning of connection to help our neighbors. It was a beautiful thing to see kids and families fully present and so excited to be running and spending time together.

After everyone was refueled, a local children’s entertainer (Mr. Tommy Presents) performed for the kids. It was such a fantastic cherry on top of a wonderful race morning.

Midway through the performance, he gave all the children a jingle bell. He told them that “when you ring your bell, picture Finn feeling well.” There were very few dry eyes in the crowd.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving and reflect on all the many blessings in our lives, I’m holding Finn and his sweet family in my heart. During this season of gratitude, this week, on #GivingTuesday next week and in the months ahead, I hope you will find ways to support your own community and the individuals and families you share your town and running paths with. Please consider making a donation to support #FinnsFight.

As I always say, running is so much more than just running. It is a way to honor people we care about, fight back against diseases and issues that leave us feeling helpless and give thanks for the gifts we are so blessed to share. I’m wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving week with your loved ones. Please keep Finn in your thoughts, prayers and donations.

How has running helped you honor someone special or make a difference in your community? 

The post 2018 #FinnsFight Family 5K Race Recap appeared first on rUnladylike.

As a reminder, this is my grading scale:

Here’s a look at today’s line-up:

1. Rockay Socks: A 

While I am fiercely brand loyal to most of my running gear, I’ve never noticed much of a difference when it comes to high quality running socks. I do about 90 percent of my runs in the Brooks Running Ghost midweight socks. Every time I have the opportunity to try new socks, I admittedly have very low expectations. Oftentimes I like them, but not enough to continue buying them or to feel more passionately about one brand over the other.

I recently had the chance to try the Rockay accelerate running socks, and I’m suddenly whistling a slightly different tune on this topic.

When the Rockay team reached out to me about their socks, I was immediately interested in trying them because of their mission. Sure, while they are working to “create the best running products the world has ever seen,” what got my attention was their committment to sourcing their fabrics from plastic collected from our oceans. Each pair of Accelerate Running Socks will remove two plastic bottles from the ocean. A product with performance and purpose? Sign me up.

I ran and cross-trained wearing these socks in two different models of shoes (Brooks, of course) and they felt fantastic. I actually loved them! They also washed well.

If sourcing fabrics from plastics didn’t already have me buying a second pair, I love that Rockay is committed to ensuring all their packaging is made from 100% recycled materials by 2019. And the packaging is beautiful. I love that it tells a story with each flap you open and that the socks aren’t connected together by any plastic ties.

These socks would make a terrific holiday stocking stuffer and pack some purpose into your performance. They retail at $15.95 per pair.

2. Moji Heated Roller: A

I am incredibly fortunate (and grateful) to have the opportunity to receive and test many running products from a plethora of running companies for free. I can say, hands down without a doubt, that the Moji Heated Roller is one of the best products I have ever received during the past six years. It is a foam roller on steroids that you can put in the microwave you guys!

Essentially, this recovery tool combines traditional foam rolling and deep tissue massage with therapeutic heat. It looks like a regular foam roller with a textured, cushioned outside. The magic is that it twists apart into two pieces and you can put it in the microwave. The result? A massage tool that stays hot for 30 minutes (and it really does stay hot)!

It’s important to carefully follow the heating directions. I heat my roller for 3 minutes in the microwave and see consistently great results. I do find that it can be a little hard to twist apart, but you will get the hang of it quickly.

The roller is great to use while watching TV. (Say hi to my dad who is creeping in the corner of this picture while watching football.)

I’ve also used it on my neck given the heat and that this is one of my areas of tension.

At just $69.99, the Moji Heated Roller would make THE perfect holiday gift for the runner(s) in your life. Two thumbs (and all the rest of my fingers and toes) up for this product.

3. Dosha Mat: B

I have always enjoyed accupuncture as an injury prevention and recovery practice, but I don’t do it nearly enough. When the team at Dosha Mat reached out to me to try their accupressure mat, I jumped at the chance. Accupressure is an ancient treatment that is supposed to be similar to massage, acupuncture and reflexology. It works by massaging and stimulating key points on the body to promote deep relaxation and healing. Accupressure mats are said to benefit the body by relieving tension, soreness and pain in the back, head, neck, shoulders, hips, feet and other parts of the body. They also claim to support deeper and more restful sleep, reduce stress, eliminate headaches, increase circulation, positively affect the nervous and immune systems, help muscles recover faster after exercise and increase energy levels. Sign me up, right?

My Dosha Mat is about the size of a regular door mat. It is handmade with hypoallergenic natural linen and is 100% eco-friendly. The pretty lotus flowers adorning the mat actually contain 4,500 acupressure points made of toxic-free surgical plastic. I was shocked at how sharp the points are. When you first try to step onto the mat with your feet, it takes your breath away and some getting used to. I’ve stood on my mat, laid on it on my back, hip and calves and rolled it up and placed it under my neck.

The Dosha Mat team recommends using the mat for 15 to 20 minutes at a time directly against your skin. You are supposed to feel a soothing warmth radiating through your body after a few mintues, and by the end of that period, feelings of calm and relaxation followed by your pain and tension melting away. I never really felt a tingling sensation. It is hard to lay or stand on the mat for 15 minutes but you do get more used to it over time. I don’t think I used my mat consistently enough to be able to claim that it removed any of my muscle pain or tension.

What I like about the mat is that it is beautiful and can easily fit under a bed or dresser. The accupressure points are definitely sharp and I do believe have some reflexology benefits. At a retail cost of $99, it is a higher price point for a recovery tool but may be worth it if you feel the benefits it claims to provide. I wish the mat came with more instructions and/or had more videos and direction for use on the website. I never knew if I was using it correctly, putting it on the right points of my body, etc. Having a little more clarity with instructional videos would be nice, and I’d also like to hear more from sports massage experts, running experts and doctors of accupuncture what they think about accupressure mats and how to use them to compliment those therapies that are common for runners.

4. Brooks Array Tops: B+

Athleisure is a running trend that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Runners are craving a combination of fashion with function and performance more than ever, and these Brooks Running Array tops deliver both. The Brooks Array Long Sleeve comes in beautiful jewel-tone colors and its DriLayer fabric wicks sweat and dries quickly while adding a killer look with the keyhole back and wider band around the waist. Similarly, the Array Short Sleeve comes in the same colors and has a split back. Both tops are especially fun for a yoga class, and I find myself wearing them around town while grocery shopping or running errands.

I rated both tops a B+ because I’d like to see them be a little longer. They hit the waist right at the top of my pants rather than a little lower, and the long sleeve rides up while running. I actually tuck mine into my shorts if running in it. Additionally, I order a size smaller in these than my typical Brooks apparel (XS instead of S) since they are more loosely fitted. These do make a gorgeous addition to your fitness wardrobe in both color and style. The long sleeve retails at $60 and the short sleeve is $50.

5. RXBar: Pumpkin Spice Flavor: A

Last but not least, it wouldn’t be a proper running report card without something to eat. I have been drooling over the seasonal pumpkin spice flavored RXbars. We are big RXbar fans at our house and always have a variety of them in our pantry. The super clean ingredients and delicious taste, plus all the protein, keep my husband and I continuing to love these as a go-to snack. The pumpkin spice flavor edges out even my beloved chocolate sea salt. Definitely pick a few of these up if you can find them before they are gone until next year. They are terrific to keep in your purse or car and great for a post-workout pick-me-up.

Well, that’s a wrap. See you next semester. Class dismissed. Time for a run.

The post Runner’s Report Card: Summer/Fall 2018 appeared first on rUnladylike.

When it comes to the weather, however, records are anything but wonderful.

I stepped out the door at 5:45 a.m. and sighed. How can it feel like a sauna before the sun has even come up? In October? September was the hottest month ever on record in our area (average temperature of 85.8 degrees), and during October we hit another record of 155 days without the temperature dipping below 70 degrees.

You can imagine my response when my husband said, Hey, let’s escape this heat. On a bit of a whim and in a desperate attempt to prevent from melting, we booked a trip to Vermont for a long family weekend.

We’ve been fortunate through the years to have some darn near perfect trips. Running and relaxing in Hawaii. Rafting through the Grand Canyon. Exploring Oregon. Two weeks in the Pacific Northwest. Hiking our way through the most epic National Parks. I could go on and on. Most of our travels have been smooth and successful, relaxing and re-energizing.

But not Vermont. I needed a vacation from this vacation. The way it started was a theme for the entire trip.

We flew into Boston on a Friday morning. Toward the end of the flight, which actually went swimmingly given that we had a 21-month-old in tow, the pilot decided to fly through what was left of Hurricane Michael. It was the scariest 10 minutes of my life. Maybe it was only five minutes, but it felt like an eternity. I was holding Baby rUnladylike like an NFL running back protecting the ball during the last play of the Superbowl. I was gripping her so tight and was so nervous from all the turbulence that my hands went numb. I literally couldn’t move them. Mr. rUnladylike had to massage them to bring them back to life.

Little did we know the trip itself would have bumps along the way, and that the terrible twos would elicit a temperment that was as up and down as that harrowing flight.

Don’t get me wrong: There were certainly magical moments and memorable experiences during our Vermont adventure.

Like visiting Billings Farm in Woodstock, where we met sheep, cows, chickens and goats.

Seeing the gorgeous fall colors of the changing leaves.

Running along the Stowe Recreation Path in a wonderland of yellow.

Yummy meals at Woodstock Inn, Worthy Kitchen and Idletyme Brewing.

Stopping at Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury for lunch, cider tasting and to see how apple cider donuts are made.

Or just seeing Baby rUnladylike running around in winter clothes. Seriously the cutest.

I’d also put staying at the Stowe Mountain Lodge as a highlight and a recommended place to stay for anyone traveling to Vermont.

But just like our arrival flight, there was turbulence.

Two of the four days were rainy, foiling our plans to hike in Woodstock and visit the famous Simon Pierce restaurant and gallery. Instead, we spent most of our time driving from one city to the next and waiting for the rain to stop.

When the skies cleared and we went on a hike in Stowe, what should have been a 90-minute trek turned into a wet, three-hour suicide mission trying to slowly and carefully traverse wet rocks and terrain while carrying a baby on our back. Or should I say, Mr. rUnladylike’s back. Cue cold, hungry, tired child who would have eaten and been napping by the time we finally finished the hike we never want to think about again. Also, see terrible twos below.

We learned that the terrible twos are a very real thing. Most of our photos looked like this, earning Baby rUnladylike her nickname The Vermonster.

By the time we made it back to the airport with our five bags to check, including a car seat, pack-n-play and baby hiking pack, we were done. Dare I even admit that we would have taken Florida’s rainforest-like conditions just to go home?

Upon touching down in Tampa and returning to the sweltering heat, Mr. rUnladylike and I had a little PTSD (post travel stress disorder). Thankfully, we were able to quickly recover and are already contemplating our next adventure.

Have you ever been to Vermont? Where is your favorite place to see fall leaves? How do you mentally deal with heat as a runner?

The post Vermont, the Vermontster and PTSD appeared first on rUnladylike.

When Brooks introduced its new Levitate in 2017, it was love at first wear. I thought they were the best running shoes Brooks had created in years. Flexible upper. A fit that felt custom to my foot. The right blend of springy and soft.

Naturally, as a bit of an over-pronator, my first question was: Will there ever be a stability version of this shoe? The apparel team gave me a wink and a smile, and I knew this perfect shoe was coming. 

Here it finally was.

A month before the Brooks Bedlam launched to the public in September, Brooks sent me a pair in the mail (they retail at $150). I was giddy to try them. I was certain this was going to be my new favorite shoe. 

From the moment I put the Brooks Bedlam on my feet, my excitement dulled. They felt inflexible, bulky and uncomfortable. The beautiful design that had me entranced around that boardroom table turned out to be a stiff material. The heel rose over my tab socks. They didn’t even feel springy under my feet.

I’m sure they’ll feel great when I’m running, I told myself.

They did not. I wore them while cross training and for more outdoor and indoor runs. I told my husband that I was trying so hard to like these shoes. He looked at me and said, “You don’t like them, stop wearing them.” (A wise one he is.)

So I did. I laced up my PureCadence 7s and haven’t looked back since. 

As a die-hard Brooks fan, those of you who are long-time runladylike.com readers know it pains me to give a thumbs down for a shoe I had such high hopes for. Here’s what you should know about the Brooks Bedlams:

Brooks Bedlam: What Works

• Gorgeous design
• New sock-like ankle fit adds stability and doesn’t require that extra eye-hole for laces

Brooks Bedlam: What Requires Improvement

• The entire upper is stiff and inflexible. A thinner, more breathable material is needed. The upper of the original Levitate was perfection for me.
• The back of the shoe is too high on the heel. It needs to be lower to ensure it isn’t higher than runners’ socks. While I have not experienced any blisters due to this, it creates discomfort.
• While the Brooks Bedlam isn’t a cushion shoe, the sole feels hard, much harder than the original Levitates. When I’m running in them, they don’t feel comfortable. 

So there you have it. I’m going to wait for the second model and hope it is much more like the original Levitates. I will certainly give them a try. Until then, you’ll find me in my PureCadence. Happy running, friends.

I received my Brooks Bedlam shoes for free, but all opinions expressed about Brooks are my own, unbiased views. There are Brooks affiliate links contained within this post.

Have you tried the Brooks Bedlam or Levitate 2s? If so, tell us what you think?

The post The Best or a Bust? Brooks Bedlam Shoe Review appeared first on rUnladylike.

Rather than running the St. George Marathon, I traded 26.2 miles in for the one-mile Tagalong Trot hosted by the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. It wasn’t the race I planned to run, but it turned out to be the right race for my favorite running partner and me.

On race morning, I woke my daughter up at 7 a.m. to quickly get dressed and eat breakfast. An 8:45 a.m. race start is perfect when so many children are part of the race. My dad was running the Thin Mint Sprint 5K that started at 7:30 a.m., so I was hustling to get us there in time to see him finish.

Baby rUnladylike chose that moment to prove to me that she truly lives up to her unladylike roots.

It was right then that she decided to have a poop explosion. We’re talking a blowout of massive proportions. One that required us to go directly into the bathtub. One that required us to immediately start a load of laundry the minute we were done in the tub. And one that had put us about 15 minutes behind schedule. Once we were all cleaned up and fed, we headed to the race.

I parked the car, strapped Baby rUnladylike into her running stroller and sprinted about a half-mile with her to the 5K course. We arrived just in time to see the leaders come through the 2-mile mark, later followed by my dad who looked like he was in a swim meet rather than a road race. You’ve gotta love Florida’s fall running scene: 80 degrees and 95 percent humidity.

Baby rUnladylike agrees the 5K medals were pretty cool!

We met my dad at the finish line and then explored the race area in the 35 minutes we had before our one-mile Tagalong Trot began. The race is located on the water, so our warm-up included watching the sunrise and walking along the boardwalk.

Finally, it was go time. Although I knew I’d be running faster than most of the crowd, I lined up further back since I had the stroller.

For the first 300 to 400 meters of the race, we were trapped behind the large crowd of walkers and small jogging children. Once I had some space and clearer road ahead of me, I took off. I glanced down at my watch a few times which said we were running around a 6:15-30 pace. As we rounded the corner with the finish line in sight, I sprinted until I was just a few yards from the finish line. Then I stopped. I let Baby rUnladylike out of the stroller, and she crossed the finish line on her own. Our total time for the mile was 7:45. We added an additional 30 seconds onto our time for the final 0.05 portion.

The volunteers gave Baby rUnladylike her own medal. But she was far more impressed by getting to eat a banana and and orange slice after the race.

The Girl Scouts of West Central Florida put on such a great race. The Thin Mint Sprint (and Tagalong Trot) has become one of my favorite local events (you can see my race recap from last year at eight months postpartum here). They also give out the best medals I’ve ever received. This year, the race raised $30,000 to support young girls. Baby rUnladylike and I look forward to supporting this race and our local Girl Scouts for many years to come.

If you have ever run a race pushing a stroller, tell us about it. What is the coolest medal you’ve ever received from a race?

The post 2018 Girl Scouts Tagalong Trot Race Recap appeared first on rUnladylike.